"How did your meeting go, by the way?"

Amra grabbed a bite from his plate and shrugged "It went ok... I guess..."

Elaine chuckled and added "It went well, but it was all just merely introductions... your friend Falshore asked about you too." smiling at Pronab; he grinned "Oh I bet he did."

Elaine giggled and continued eating, Pronab shook his head and Amra smiled at Caliope encouraging her to eat while he waited for her first bite, she had been staring at her food without eating for a while.

"There is nothing scheduled for this afternoon. General Maxwell though, has reserved dinner for just us and his close circle, which includes unfortunately Falshore, but I know you will be at your best Pronab."

"That means I will meet the cold noses ones?" Caliope asked shyly. Elaine gasped "Oh no! You too?!" and Pronab laughed. The mood of the table became much lighter, and as Caliope smiled and turned to look at Amra, he smiled back at her and squeezed her hand "They are a bit self centered, yes, but otherwise respectful... they are curious about you." She perked a brow "about me?"

Pronab interrupted "Just be careful not to have them asking too many questions, they tend to do that... manipulative bast..." Elaine raised a hand "Please stop, they are our peers..."

Caliope tried to calm the moods "Ok ok... I get it, they are manipulative cold noses who think they are superior to any of you but they aren't... I have nothing to worry about, I am with the coolest Angels on earth." she winked at Pronab and he grinned looking at her, Elaine and Amra smiled. All the events of the morning now behind.

After finishing their plates, each went to rest at their rooms, and Caliope took with her some dessert to enjoy. As they got into the room, Amra chuckled watching all the shopping bags at the side and she blushed, finishing her piece of cake "You should not feel shame enjoying what is given to you..." she shook her head "It just feels too perfect... too good to be real... I am in-love with an Angel, traveling around the world, and buying anything I want? I am trying to keep myself as down to earth as possible..."

"True, we are down on earth."

"No, I mean..."

Amra smiled at her and shook his head "I know what you mean, my love... I was just joking..."

She chuckled and walked towards him to kiss her Angel. He wrapped his arms around her and caressed her back, she felt shivers run through her spine "You are cold..."

Caliope closed her eyes and replied "No, I just feel the magic with each kiss... I like how you make me shiver..."

He smiled and caressed her arms tenderly, she sighed and sat on the bed with him, taking his hands on hers "I am not sure I would ever get used to this... you seem to fit perfectly in this world but I am still a bit lost. I don't deny I am quite happy, the happiest I have ever been in a long time. But..."

"I thought I explained to you... Caly, I assimilate and learn from those around me... I do not become them, but I become a new me adjusted to how people think, live and breathe here. Am I that bad?"

"No! Please don't say that! I only meant you are doing it better than me... and it should not be a surprise, you are the most perfect creature I have met... I guess what I mean is... be patient with me?"

He slowly removed her coat and smiled, nodding as he kissed her again, this time deeper; he caressed her arms as their clothes started to land on the ground. Between kisses and heated breathing he caressed her face and whispered to her in a very soothing voice "I have eternity to wait..."

And she surrendered to him in body and soul, each kiss and each touch more intense and more passionate, this time with no regrets, she did not held back and let herself go with him in a tight desperate need for his warmth. He fed his need of her melting body with body, becoming one.

When the phone rang, Caliope opened her eyes and tried to find it. It was Amra who picked it up "We will be down in half an hour, or better yet, give us an hour."

As he hang up, he turned his head smiling at her. She sat on the bed hoping he would join her, but he walked towards the many bags and coats near the couch and lifted his; he pulled something out of the inside pocket then let the coat drop back on the side arm, finally returning to her as she looked at him with curiosity. He laid on the bed next to her still naked, and rested a small box on her lap. She looked down at the box and immediately felt chills "What is this?"

"Rawer made me notice I was not being conventional about this, so I made my own little shopping after the meeting was over. Elaine assisted. Go ahead, open it."

Caliope was blushing and after some hesitation, she finally opened the treasure box in front of her and found an engagement ring with diamonds embedded on it. She stared at it for a while, still not sure of what to do with it. Her heart was pacing fast and she tried hard not to let the tears come out "Do I have to make the question again? I will if you want me to."

She blushed and shook her head; this time she finally looked at him "No... you don't have to... I just... love my ring, it is unique, and it is part of you... I didn't need a new one... you didn't have to do this." He smiled at her, reaching to caress her arm "I kind of like being a little conventional about this, I want you to have the best of both worlds. So here, let me put it in your finger."

As he took her shaking hand and slid the ring slowly in its place, she was smiling and leaning down to kiss him "Silver?". He shook his head "it's white gold, it is supposed to be the one of most value."

She shook her head again and chuckled; of course it would be white gold, the most expensive thing he could get. She looked at her finger and saw both rings. The thin glow of Amra's wings and the opulent shine of the gold and diamond ring. Two small wings were placed on the sides of the last one and she found it ideal. "Are you happy?" She nodded quickly "happier than I had ever been... thank you..."

He smiled and kissed her hand, looking up at her for a moment more before he standed and held out his hand to help her stand "We should take a shower before joining them for dinner."

She nodded and stood up, blushing as she walked in the bathroom with him, she knew temptation would be strong enough for them to resist doing more than bathing.

When Caliope walked to the reception in hand with Amra, Elaine was smiling bright at the sight of the rings on her. Caliope was wearing a simple black long dress, high neck, long sleeves, and some simple earrings. Elaine rushed to hug her and kiss her cheek with excitement "I am so happy you decided to wear it..." She chuckled and sighed "When are you all going to stop spoiling me?"

"That is simple, when you join the family all of it will belong to you, and you will be able to spoil yourself alone."

And those words made her gasp. She realized it was true, legally on earth Amra was Elaine's son and all the fortune would be hers as well. She was just grasping the idea of having a free credit line for shopping but to own a fortune was a complete different level.

Outside, a big and fancy limousine was waiting for them sent by the General. Pronab smiled as he opened the door for her and Elaine to jump in. Once they were all inside, champagne was offered to them. Amra gently declined and so did the rest, who remained quiet but content during the road to the General's residence.

When they arrived to a large entrance surrounded by guards, the driver stopped. He gave a card that allowed them access to a smaller yard. They followed a road that ended on tall iron gates, where the driver went out of the car to be searched by more guards. Once the driver was clear, he went back inside and drove them through the main yard. A huge mansion rested on top of a small hill; different gardens on the sides as well as diving pools and different outdoor gaming areas. She looked at Pronab and he looked back at her nodding with a smirk, as he whispered "cold noses". She chuckled and quickly went through her head about how she would behave at this especially unusual encounter.

When the driver reached to the front of the mansion, he stepped out and was searched again by other security guards. Finally, he opened the car's doors and Pronab walked out first to help Elaine and Caliope. When Amra held Caliope's hand to head inside, the guards approached with the intention of searching them. Pronab quickly stopped them "is this really necessary?"

The first guard nodded "I am sorry Sir, we are following protocol, and we need to search anyone who comes into the house, human or not." Elaine put a hand on Pronab's shoulder and shook her head "it is ok, dear ones..." He frowned and added "it is insulting."

"I am ok with it, let's just let them do their job and go inside." Caliope gave a side step and opened her arms for the guards to search her. Elaine nodded and did the same thing. Amra shrugged and allowed them but Pronab was frowning and quite reluctant as the guards approached him to search.

Another guard bowed his head at Elaine "thank you, Madame."

Pronab grunted "and who checks those inside the house?"

Both guards felt offended and took a step towards him when a tall blonde men walked outside through the front doors chuckling "Why am I not surprised of such behavior of yours Pronab?" His face now showing a grin "Because you know I don't like people touching me, Falshore"

The blonde creature was elegant and suited, he had intense green eyes that seemed to focus on Pronab with devilish intentions "Tis just procedure... don't be mad about it... thank you gentleman, they are expected inside."

Both guards nodded and quickly returned to their posts. Falshore smiled at them but did not speak as he was leading them through some rooms to the dining area, where they found a wide table prepared with a feast, and only two men sitting. At the head there was a young man, younger than any of them, including Caliope. He smiled politely and then returned his face to look at Falshore who gave him a nod. At his left a dark haired older man, and to the right Falshore took his place.

Elaine smiled kindly "Maxwell... thank you for inviting us to your residence."

The young man smiled a little more this time and nodded. He kindly gestured to the chairs around the table and they headed to pick seats. "Elaine, Pronab, thank you for coming. Amrafel, this must be your treasured Asteria."

Amra nodded and with an extreme kind smile Maxwell looked at Caliope and she felt a little uncomfortable. Falshore gestured to someone on the corner of the room and several waiters came in to place different appetizers. The silence took over as they danced their way in and out the room, but when they finally left, Elaine worked her charm to relax the environment "It is a lovely home you have here, tight security but... the place looks gorgeous. I love in particular the art, which reminds me I should buy some... will you recommend where?"

Maxwell smiled a bit disinterested but nodded "I can share a few addresses I guess... I have not bought anything in years, though." Falshore made a comment "I will give you a list, Lady Clark." and Maxwell smiled at him, letting silence take over the room again. Caliope was feeling nervous, but Amra was patiently waiting.

"Please, do not be shy... eat, enjoy..." Maxwell encouraged them, he himself grabbing one of the canapes near him. Caliope took advantage to finally focus on him; he had brown groomed hair, white milky skin and a set of beautiful brown and gold eyes, a mix of color that seemed impossible. She saw resemblance of his features in the pictures of old Roman emperors, yet he excelled in the live representation. Finally she decided to speak "Thank you for your kindness..."

Maxwell looked straight at her, his smile kind and simple "you have a beautiful voice, Caliope. Where are you from?"

She relaxed on her chair and replied "I was born in New York, according to the official records..." and then stopped, unsure of what more she could say. He nodded "ah yes, you were a foster child... your father was quite the figure..."

Caliope switched uncomfortably on her seat, a barely small move yet Amra looked at her and then turned at Maxwell no longer indifferent. He perceived the change and frowned. The older man finally spoke "I apologize, M'Lady Caliope... we meant not to cause you discomfort." Maxwell sighed and tried his best to clear the density of the environment "I am sorry, Caliope... I shouldn't have mention him so early in our conversation, or at all for that matter."

A small smile drew on her lips, his sincerity was felt thru his words. Amra nodded in return and relaxed. Elaine on the other hand sighed and rubbed Caliope's hand, taking her by surprise, she felt her powers slide from her as a soft blanket that started to cover her. As the silence took over the room again, Pronab took a glass with water and stirred the room "is this a test of who holds silent best?"

Falshore replied almost instantly "you wouldn't win such test." Pronab looked back at him angry, placing the glass at the table a little too harshly "I am more than willing to show you what I can win."

Elaine frowned, shaking her head and directing her frustration at Pronab "that is enough, please."

Maxwell chuckled "entertaining..." Then Wiltshire whispered "excuse me..." as he stood up and walked away to another room. Maxwell sighed "I am sorry, it is not a very comfortable situation, I only invited you here to relax and enjoy the evening, not to talk about problems, and much less to create ones." He was looking directly at Falshore as he spoke the last words. Amra nodded and squeezed Caliope's hand.

Maxwell continued "I know we are famous among our own people for being elitist; but not all of us are, and those who pretend to be are being shown otherwise."

Pronab smirked but quickly composed himself as Elaine gave him a serious look. Falshore lowered his eyes and kept staring at his empty plate.

Elaine nodded "I couldn't agree more with you, and thank you for your kind invitation." giving the subject some closure.

When Wiltshire returned, he had with him an old book and as he took a seat, the book laid rested on his side. This brought curiosity to Caliope, but she decided to approach a different subject at the table "you are younger than the other Generals I have met."

Maxwell smiled with a hint of excitement "only by looks... we chose the age we wish to look like. To the humans, specially the curious people around here, I am a spoiled rich kid with too much money on his hands. Who would look for Angels in a place where parties and women are coming and going daily?"

Elaine added "it is part of his facade... But he is actually, one of the oldest of our kind.

And Wiltshire follows him both in age and wisdom. Falshore on the other hand, is one of the youngest."

Caliope laid her back against the chair and nodded "ah... that makes sense..."

Falshore perked a brow and looked at her "does it?"

Caliope lowered her eyes "I am sorry..." He was looking at Caliope when Pronab chuckled and turned his head to look at his plate.

Elaine smiled, she knew the subject wouldn't be dropped easily "well... yes, Pronab and Falshore are the trouble makers of our keen..."

Maxwell laughed and so did Caliope, Elaine and Amra. The mood at the dinner became lighter and they continued to talk about different subjects throughout the rest of the night. By the time they finished dinner; Maxwell invited everyone to head to the ballroom where classical music played and they danced at different paces enjoying the sight of the artistic paintings decorating the walls.

Later, as Maxwell walked them to the front door and politely said good bye to each, Wiltshire approached Elaine and rested on her hands the old book he had with him through all the evening. She smiled a little surprised, and opened the old leather cover. After staring at it for some seconds she smiled and blushed, and looked at him full of emotions "This is... I have no words to describe it... thank you for letting me see it..."

Wiltshire shook his head as she tried to give it back "Tis a present, for you M'Lady."

Elaine gasped "for me? but this must be so valuable for you!"

"I plead you to accept it, I only acquired it with the purpose to present it to you."

She smiled and nodded slowly, as her eyes could not believe yet what she was witnessing. She leaned to kiss his cheek and whispered on his ear some words, to which he smiled and lowered his head.

"Thank you again... this has been a wonderful evening..." she finally said to both Maxwell and him; then everyone politely said their goodbyes, and once more the driver was expecting them at the front, ready to return them to their hotel.